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Recent Examples of tightened
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
However, Zelenskyy, backed by European leaders and some members of Congress, has insisted that the sanctions regime against Russia must instead be tightened to starve the Russian war machine of revenue and Western technological components.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
At the Guthrie family's request, authorities had tightened security at the residence.
—Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Austin Independent School District has tightened its rules for student protests, outlining new limits on staff involvement and clarifying law enforcement’s role when demonstrations move off campus.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Now, with the term expiring, concern is growing that the transition could trigger new instability, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs have tightened their grip on neighborhoods and key roadways.
—Tania Francois, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Many had to raise prices just as customers tightened their pocketbooks.
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 5 Feb. 2026
Evans suggests using a microfiber cloth wrapped around a broom and tightened with rubber bands.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026
But the defense tightened, holding K-State to 2-for-10 (20%) 3-point shooting after halftime.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
Villa had taken the lead in the first half through Morgan but toiled in the second, unable to play as incisively after Andoni Iraola tightened his midfield.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
However, Zelenskyy, backed by European leaders and some members of Congress, has insisted that the sanctions regime against Russia must instead be tightened to starve the Russian war machine of revenue and Western technological components.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
At the Guthrie family's request, authorities had tightened security at the residence.
—Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Austin Independent School District has tightened its rules for student protests, outlining new limits on staff involvement and clarifying law enforcement’s role when demonstrations move off campus.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Now, with the term expiring, concern is growing that the transition could trigger new instability, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs have tightened their grip on neighborhoods and key roadways.
—Tania Francois, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Many had to raise prices just as customers tightened their pocketbooks.
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 5 Feb. 2026
Evans suggests using a microfiber cloth wrapped around a broom and tightened with rubber bands.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026
But the defense tightened, holding K-State to 2-for-10 (20%) 3-point shooting after halftime.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tightened
Adjective
-
While effective, these approaches can be slow or inflexible.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Critics said the language was too vague, potentially exacerbating budget problems by making certain revenues too inflexible.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Studios in collaboration with Banijay’s DLO Producciones, tracks the rise of the founding leader of Los Miami, a gang which controlled Madrid’s insatiable ‘90s drug business, tensed by sudden explosive violence, and the drug-lord’s multiple near-death experiences.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
18 Dec. 2025
-
The officer took her to the ground and then tried cuffing Tejeras, who tensed up so much, the officer’s body camera was knocked to the ground, according to the report.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Whether Sarah Scales Design Studio is renovating a historic South End Brownstone or building a modern Cape Cod retreat for a repeat client, the firm crafts inviting and functional interiors that are filled with sophisticated details.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
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Reductions are extremely desirable, as are firm caps on total numbers, but efforts to outlaw all nuclear weapons are fundamentally flawed.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kravitz was originally trained as a K–6 educator in Boone, North Carolina, yet her ambitions stretched beyond the classroom.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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As negotiations stretched on, the district announced that schools would be closed on Monday, prompting families to scramble for childcare and alternative plans.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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On other occasions, a parting can be soured by big, unyielding personalities.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Fritzie survived — a story of brutality, of profound bravery, of desperate kindness and of the unyielding resilience that carried her into a life devoted to remembrance and education.—
Bernard Cherkasov,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.—
Tom Chitty,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
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Torgashev faced stiff competition, with other skaters landing more quadruple jumps and earning more points as a result.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What ensues is a brilliantly taut ensemble piece.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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The taut scenes provide the actors with a playing field to shine individually in heated arguments, sobering moments of empathy and painfully honest talks about what comes after a life-altering event.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The mechanical layout provides sufficient reach and flexibility to manipulate soft materials, which is significantly more challenging than handling rigid objects, reports Techeblog.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
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If the plan is to adorn the tank with hiding places or other interactive pieces, steer clear of sharp or rigid objects.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tightened. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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